Albanian Efforts to Destroy Chemical Weapons

Albanian Efforts to Destroy Chemical Weapons

Javits says United States remains committed to prompt, safe CW destruction
The head of the U.S. delegation to a key meeting in The Hague to review nations efforts to destroy chemical weapons says the United States welcomes the ambitious plans of the government of Albania to eliminate their stockpiles.

U.S. Ambassador Eric Javits, head of the U.S. delegation to the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said the United States strongly supports both nations in these efforts. Javits, who made his remarks March 15 during the council 40th session in the Netherlands, said the examples of Libya and Albania highlight the importance of universal adherence to the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).The CWC, which entered into force April 29, 1997, bans the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, and direct or indirect transfer of chemical weapons.

It also prohibits the use or preparation for use of chemical weapons and the assistance, encouragement or inducement of anyone else to engage in activities prohibited by the CWC.